Is BIM dead?

What if you just read that it is happening shortly? A graphical tool, BIM (Building Information Modeling), which has been widespread since the early 2000s, is being replaced by innovative and fast upcoming AI tools. BIM covers multidimensional aspects of a building project, which include geospatial information, manufacturer information, cost, assets management, sustainability, and more. Still, architects, designers, and engineers are looking for smart options to replace previously used tools like BIM. Another brink of a construction revolution is happening with AI and machine learning.

AI Tools

While BIM has long served as a cornerstone for integrating complex project data into a cohesive digital model, its limitations are becoming more apparent in an era of rapid technological advancement. The static nature of BIM workflows and reliance on manual updates and coordination have prompted industry professionals to seek more dynamic, adaptive solutions.

AI-driven tools promise to not only streamline these processes but also enhance decision-making by predicting outcomes, optimizing designs, and automating repetitive tasks, capabilities that traditional BIM struggles to achieve efficiently. This shift marks a pivotal moment where the construction industry is rethinking how technology can evolve to meet modern demands.

The concept behind AI is to mimic human intelligence by combining large datasets, advanced algorithms, and computational power to enable machines to learn from data and make intelligent decisions. Several AI tools have been introduced in the industry to facilitate the upcoming generation of designers and engineers.

While this shift is unfolding gradually, Alphonso Peluso, Associate Professor at IIT Architecture Chicago, has also brought this to focus in a thought-provoking Instagram Reel. So, let’s look at some of the tools that are creating a new era in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

1. Hypar AI

Hypar, founded in 2018 by Ian Keough and Anthony Hauck, is a cloud platform for generative design that allows you to generate design layouts and analyze and optimize project performance in just a few steps. Among its main features, Hypar allows you to create interior space distributions, volumetric schemes, and structural configurations and analyze building performance. Hypar is a cutting-edge AI architecture platform for design automation in the field of building and construction.

Hypar is AutoCAD compatible, allows direct import of floor plans, and simplifies the workflow for internal design. Hypar offers modules to analyze natural lighting and design parametric generative facades. Similar to BIM, one can share projects and workflows with different teams, allowing dynamic and flexible collaboration.  Two versions are being offered: Free and Professional. Free comes with a basic function library to create simple projects and explore features for free. Professional includes greater workflow customization export to multiple platforms and extended collaboration options. 

2. BIMlogiq

Australia-based BIMlogiq has been introduced to bring state-of-the-art AI technology to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors. The goal is to increase efficiency and decrease human error by automating different phases of design and documentation by using machine learning and AI technology. 

Smart Annotation plug-in streamlines documentation by automating footnote placement, ensuring clear, non-overlapping tags, and optimizing leader alignments. It supports MEP, Structural, and Architectural drawings, reducing the time spent on manual drafting. BIMlogiq unveiled Copilot, an AI-driven assistant that uses chat-based prompts to make Dynamo scripting and Revit automation easier. This helps to generate commands instantly, helping teams work faster and with greater precision.

Creating 3D views for specific rooms in a project is often a time-intensive task, particularly in large-scale designs. BIMlogiq streamlines this process by enabling users to automate the creation of separate 3D views for rooms based on specific criteria.

3. Architechtures

Smartscapes Studio developed Architechtures as a result of an ambitious R&D project partially funded by the European Union. Architechtures merges two dynamic fields: AI and sustainable architectural design. It helps to design optimal residential developments in minutes instead of months. Architechtures are mainly used by architects to facilitate their design of innovative residential designs. Instantaneous solutions are received that best fit the entered design criteria. 

This allows architects and real estate developers to have complete control over the quantitative features of the design while focusing on decision-making. The user reviews the geometric and analytical results and makes adjustments to the design until satisfaction. This partnership between man and machine introduces AI in Architecture as a new method of residential design.

The first step is to introduce the design criteria and modeling; the second is AI-optimized design development, and the last step generates BIM solutions and project data to download in XLSX, DXF, and IFC formats. Architechtures integrates the entire process, assisting the designer in meeting the quantitative requirements in an ideal and real-time manner while focusing on delivering the best architectural value to the project.

4. ARK design AI

Ark design, developed by a dedicated team of AI scientists, architects, and software engineers, is 100 times faster than the existing design process and can save up to 90% on design costs. Ark's program generates limitless variations to optimize the design while keeping local norms and legislation in mind.

ARK is building the world’s first architectural brain, an AI-powered software solution that optimizes architectural design. ARK combines human creativity with AI to help architects design the most optimized layouts. From concept to construction, design the most profitable configurations, optimizing for density and profitability. Architects and real estate developers create automated floor plans and feasibility reports for multi-family and mixed-use projects quickly and efficiently.

5. Spacio AI

Spacio AI, built by architects for architects, is an all-in-one architectural design platform. Spacio enables architects and designers to create, analyze, and validate building projects in the early stages of development. The tool offers an intuitive user interface for architects. Spacio provides a seamless combination of automation and manual design capabilities. Other than dealing with high data and accuracy, Spacio carries comprehensive analysis tools for views, sunlight, and environmental factors. 

Other than architects, Spacio is useful for property developers, engineers, and architectural firms to deliver better early-stage building design and analysis. Some features of Spacio are instant, fast, and flexible modeling, automatic site models, parallel design and simulation, easy model export, and metrics in clicks.

“We choose Spacio because of its strong interoperability with other software like Rhino and IFC. It is visually pleasing, simple, and intuitive. Spacio is made by architects, for architects.”
Francis Brekke CEO at Oslo Works. 

6. Rayon Design

Rayon is a web-based platform that is revolutionizing architectural design collaboration. It allows architects, designers, engineers, and construction professionals to create floor plans and mood boards and interpret drawings with ease. With Rayon, one can draw walls, add doors, annotate floor plans, and store reusable furniture blocks. Floor planning is a key feature of Rayon, offering the fastest design experience to draw accurate and striking floor plans. Rayon allows the creation of rich templates using images, texturing, and notes to convey design intent. 

Rayon design is extensively used by architects and interior designers as it provides innovative layouts for housing, office, recreation, and healthcare projects. While using Rayon, documents are easy to share since it supports various file formats like DWG, DXF, PDF, and image files and enables users to generate PDFs, calculate square footage, and create tables for comprehensive project documentation.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the creative landscape, architects and designers are rethinking their approach to generative design. PAACADEMY’s Generative Architecture with AI workshop offers an in-depth exploration of AI-driven workflows, including Flux, leveraging pioneering methodologies developed at MVRDV. Designed for students and professionals, this program provides the tools to seamlessly integrate AI into architectural practice, pushing the boundaries of innovation and design intelligence.

7. Coohom

It is an AI tool that not only entertains architects and interior designers but also casual designers and homeowners who are creative and enjoy designing their environments to match their needs. Coohom room planning software allows you to construct a floor plan rapidly and easily for your home. Enter your room's dimensions, then add furniture, fixtures, and other items to build a realistic 3D model of your area. Experiment with various color schemes, materials, and styles until you find the room of your dreams.

Coohom's cutting-edge visual solution allows users to easily scale the 3D elements by adding and exchanging infinite materials and textures in breathtaking high definition. Enable customers to experience real-world lighting effects as they examine products from all angles. Coohom will streamline the entire process, from design to communication to production, saving both time and effort. Clients may smoothly create and plan online when they partner with Coohom. There is no need to negotiate or go back and forth.

Noting that the matter has been brought into the spotlight by Alphonso Peluso Associate Professor at IIT Architecture Chicago in his recent social media post.